Three Things to Look for When Finding an Experienced Plumber

Two plumbers shaking hands, showcasing collaboration in a trade environment with tools visible in a tool belt.

Finding a Reliable Plumbing Professional This Holiday Season 

Anyone can pick up the phone and hire a local plumber. But nobody wants just any plumber. They want one who shows up on time, charges reasonable rates, and gets the job done. But how does a homeowner find reliable service? 

Look for Positive Reviews Online Person holding smartphone displaying five-star reviews, emphasizing the importance of positive feedback for plumbing services.

Reviews, whether good or bad, tell a thousand words about plumbing companies. Here, one can learn about the quality of work done, the company's accessibility, and other important factors. Here are some things to know when looking over dozens of reviews about a home improvement service: 

  • No company is perfect. It's not uncommon to see a few negative reviews amid a sea of positive ones. There's no reason to write off a potential contractor for a handful of lukewarm comments. 
  • It matters who leaves the reviews. There are tons of fake reviews online. A good way to learn about a review's validity is to click on the profile of the person who left it. If they have many reviews, then it's valid. If a negative review is their only one, a homeowner should think twice about whether it's real. 
  • Many websites offer reviews. Google is just one of many websites that offer reviews of local businesses. The Better Business Bureau, Angi, and Yelp also host reviews about emergency plumber services. 

Search for Licensed and Bonded Professionals 

Even during a straightforward repair, a lot can go wrong. A professional could nick a wire while installing a new water heater. They could accidentally hurt themselves while on the job. That's why plumbing companies need to be licensed and bonded. Insurance provides financial help if anything unexpected happens. 

Without hiring a licensed and bonded professional, a homeowner risks having to pay for certain damages out of pocket. They also open themselves up to liability if a negligence-related incident causes the contractor harm. 

Consider Getting a Coupon

Plumber inspecting under sink with tools and clipboard, emphasizing professional plumbing services and maintenance expertise.Many plumbing companies thrive on repeat customers. These people trust the company and rely on them for certain repairs. To keep customers coming back, many plumbing companies offer special deals. 

Some of these specials include discounted rates. One can expect to save anywhere from five to fifteen percent on certain services. It all depends on the issue in question and what measures go into correcting it. 

About Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service 

Upfront pricing. Licensed and bonded professionals. Honest service. These are just some of the things the residents of Evansville, Indiana, have come to expect from Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service. These plumbers have years of experience combating frozen pipes, leaky toilets, and other issues. Now, they're offering their expert plumbing services at reasonable rates. One can call today to learn more. 

The First Black Woman to Become a Master Plumber

A woman in a hard hat looks confidently upward, representing skilled plumbing services by Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service.

Adrienne Bennett: The First Black Woman Master Plumber

As the first female licensed master plumber in North America, Adrienne Bennett is a pioneer. Now a CEO of her own company, she can hire other hard-working and career-focused individuals. Although it hasn’t always been easy, Adrienne Bennett has broken the glass ceiling for women plumbers in America.

A Brief History of Adrienne Bennett

Adrienne Bennett grew up with seven other siblings in an environment where discipline and work ethic were top priorities. Her upbringing has shaped how she runs her company and her life.

From a young age, she was interested in how to piece projects together. She has always been fascinated with growth, from building aircraft models to studying mechanical engineering.

In 1976 Adrienne Bennett met with a recruiter from the Mechanical Contractors Association of Detroit. After her five-year apprenticeship with the Plumbers Union, Local 98, she began a career and a pathway for other black master plumbers.

The Professional Journey for Working as a ContractorAdrienne Bennett, a female contractor in safety gear, smiling while holding a rolled-up blueprint, set against a construction site backdrop, highlighting her role in a male-dominated industry.

The Professional Trades career pays over 40% higher than many other occupations. With a median salary of $51,000, this is not only a stable career choice but a great way to earn money. By working in several parts of the industry, Adrienne Bennett could advance her career throughout the decades.

Before becoming the code enforcement officer for the City of Detroit, Ms. Bennett started as an apprentice. The industry was entirely male-dominated, and it wasn’t always easy working on projects. Before becoming a master plumber, she describes wearing a heavy tool belt around her waist to protect her from sexual harassment. After 4,000 hours of experience, she was able to take her state licensing exam and begin her career. 

Adrienne Bennett started as a journeyman plumber. With this type of license, many plumbers can work independently. Like military or government institutions, the plumbing industry has a clear ranking system for career advancement. As a journeyman plumber, Ms. Bennett would go on to train apprentices.

Over the years, Adrienne Bennett worked her way up to master plumber, project manager, and plumbing inspector. Although state requirements often vary, a master plumber allows for additional leadership opportunities in Michigan. Master plumbers can plan water systems and work with permit offices. 

As a plumbing inspector, she would gain more experience with code violations and federal requirements. As a code enforcement officer, Adrienne Bennett would apply this knowledge to protect the community from public health issues. 

Group of four plumbing professionals wearing hard hats and safety gear, standing in an industrial setting with large equipment, representing teamwork in the plumbing industry.The Plumbing Industry

Adrienne Bennett has faced adversity throughout her career but continues to work in the industry. After climbing her way through the ranks of the plumbing industry, Adrienne Bennett is now an official plumbing contractor. 

She now handles construction, renovation, and remodeling with the new responsibilities required. By learning strong management skills and understanding the business legalities in Detroit, Ms. Bennett has helped the community and plumbing trade.

Bud’s Plumbing and Repair Service

Bud’s Plumbing and Repair Service focuses on safety regulations in addition to leaky faucets. Based in Evansville, IN, local plumbing codes are used for every job. Call today for same-day plumbing service

How a Plumber Can Help You Conserve Water

Smiling technician in blue uniform holds toolbox, working in modern kitchen for Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service.

Waste Less Water With These Plumbing Services

With Earth Day quickly approaching, many are looking for more ways to conserve water. Not only is it good for the environment, but it also means lower water bills for homeowners. While it may be tempting to “DIY” some issues, the best way to conserve water may be to call the local plumber. 

Even if there aren’t any signs of leaks, there are still several ways plumbers can help homeowners save water. A simple inspection of the plumbing system can go a long way toward maximizing efficiency. In this article, experts share some great ways a local plumber can help make a home eco-friendly. 

Inspecting Plumbing Equipment

Completing a regular plumbing inspection will keep the system running efficiently and ensure no water gets wasted. During this process, a technician will check for leaks, clogs, or corrosion. This allows the technician to detect problems earlier, avoiding water damage and higher water bills. If a clog is detected, the technician will use the latest technology to see the entire clog before he or she begins repairs. This practice saves time and money in the long run. 

But there are also things homeowners can do to help avoid emergency plumbing issues. These include:

  • Checking faucets 
  • Checking underneath sinks
  • Unclogging minor drain clogs with hot water and a baking soda mixture
  • Cleaning gutters to prevent blockage
  • Inspecting septic tanks regularly

Detecting and Repairing LeaksHands inspecting a leaking plumbing joint under a sink, using a yellow cloth to catch water, illustrating the importance of detecting and repairing leaks to prevent water damage.

Leaks can remain elusive for several days before one recognizes the signs. Routine checking by the homeowner can help catch leaks before they cause larger issues, resulting in a higher cost. 

But if one waits until mold and condensation appear, the leak has likely been active for several days already. If left unrepaired, leaks can cause major damage to the home, resulting in thousands of dollars spent on repairs and wasted water. A professional technician is trained to locate even the smallest of leaks. They use technology to see every surface of the system, even what may not be visible to the naked eye. 

Tools for toilet repair on a white toilet seat, including a pipe wrench, adjustable wrench, screwdriver, and flexible hose, highlighting plumbing maintenance and repair needs.

Repairing and Installing Toilets

The most common toilet problems are issues with the flushing mechanism and clogged bowls. Sometimes, all it takes is a second to reconnect the chain in the tank. Other times, homeowners can avoid problems by not flushing:

  • Copious amounts of toilet paper
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Cooking grease

However, an inexperienced attempt at repair or installation often results in expensive problems. These problems will require professional and more intense repairs. A technician can ensure the toilet gets installed correctly. Often, issues with toilets stem from an amateur installation job. It’s smarter to call a professional from the beginning rather than flush more money and water over time. 

About Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service

Active since 1920, Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service is a budget-friendly, family-owned company that focuses on providing exceptional service to the Evansville, IN area. With trained technicians and the latest products and technology, they are sure to provide the best solutions. Call now for plumbing services!